Treaties in Canada Education Guide

IDLE NO MORE (continued)

Imagine you have been asked to make a movie about the Idle No More movement. You will create a piece that explains your plan for the movie. You can write a movie pitch, craft a storyboard, or create a script or screenplay. It should outline the major themes, ideas, or scenes you will include in the movie. Research the origins of Idle No More. Who were the people who started it? Why did they start it? Was there a specific event that was a trigger for the events that followed? In what ways do you think the legacy of treaties motivated or inspired the Idle No More movement? 1.

Here are some questions to help you get started on your project. In developing your script, think about: What is the role of women in the Idle No More movement? What is the role of youth? What are some of the consequences of the movement? Is there any personal or local content you can include? Have you or has anyone you know been involved? Has an Idle No More event taken place in your community?

Idle No More demonstrators

protest at the base of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, January 16, 2013 (courtesy of The Canadian Press/ Geoff Robins).

Here are some places to begin your research:

YouTube: search for videos taken during some of the protests and flash mobs

The Canadian Encyclopedia article: Idle No More thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/idle-no-more

The Canadian Encyclopedia article: The Journey of Nishiyuu (The Journey of the People) thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-journey-of-the-people

Idle No More: idlenomore.ca

Idle No More protesters demonstrate in Toronto on January 16, 2013 (courtesy of The Canadian Press/Aaron Vincent Elkaim).

2.

Think about the point of view of your movie. Who will be telling the story? Who is the protagonist of your story? Will it be told from one point of view, or from several points of view?

Think about how to tell your story from an original point of view. As an example, read the story The Walk by Robert McCue. The Walk takes a unique perspective and shows an imaginative interpretation of one Idle No More event. You can find it on the Aboriginal Arts & Stories website. Consider: how does the choice of narrator in this story add to its meaning and significance? Brainstorm some ideas for your movie’s point of view, taking inspiration from this story. Develop your movie project. Here are some suggestions to help you develop your ideas: a. What is the storyline of your movie? What will you include in the beginning, middle and end? b. What is the big idea, theme, or main message you want to get across in your movie? c. What is your point of view? Do you bring any biases to your movie making? d. Who is the audience for your movie? e. What are some relevant images and sounds you could include in the movie? f. How will your movie portray the historical significance of the Idle No More movement? g. What is the title of your movie? 3.

// Modifications

As a class or in groups, discuss the origins of Idle No More, checking with students for understanding. Instead of writing a script, students can create a storyboard or a comic strip, using educational software such as Bitstrips for Schools or pencil and paper.

4.

Present your movie project to the class.

12